Just for Fun: Country Name Words Used Often, or Sometimes, in the English Language (with usually different spellings)

Can you name five or six nations that have names that are also common (or not so common) to the English language?


  1. They cannot be names of people UNLESS the word is also used to describe an item or thing. Names like Israel, Jordan, Georgia do not apply.
  2. They must be commonly referred to by a single word only. Names like Czech Republic do not apply.
  3.  They must be single words, not country names that in English would contain two or more words. Names like Denmark (den and mark), Iceland (ice and land) do not apply.
  4. They must be independent nations, not colonies, overseas territories, commonwealths, or groups of islands forming a nation, such as Micronesia.
  5.  They must be defined as English words with proper pronunciations that are English. Meaning Chile is out…while many still pronounce Chile as “chilly” or “chili” the proper dictionary pronunciations is CHI-LAY (the Spanish e being a long a sound) Other names like Ecuador, which is Spanish for “equator” are out. Also, Qatar, which is often pronounced “cutter,” is also out; it is pronounced “cotter” or “cot-tar.” (and not “guitar” either!)

I will provide one example just to make sure folks know what I mean:  Greece. Because Greece is pronounced like the word “grease.” The example of Greece ought to give you a hint as for two more nations with English word names. The other two won’t be so easy.

Have at it in the comment box below.